[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8723 of October 3, 2011

National Arts and Humanities Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Norman Rockwell's magazine covers are classic and recognizable
portrayals of American life. A longtime advocate of tolerance, Rockwell
was criticized by some for a painting now hanging steps from the Oval
Office--The Problem We All Live With. Inspired by the story of Ruby
Bridges, this painting depicts a young girl being escorted to her newly-
integrated school by United States Marshals. Today, the portrait remains
a symbol of our Nation's struggle for racial equality.
Like Rockwell's painting, art in all its forms often challenges us to
consider new perspectives and to rethink how we see the world. This
image still moves us with its simple poignancy, capturing a moment in
American history that changed us forever. This is the power of the arts
and humanities--they speak to our condition and affirm our desire for
something more and something better. Great works of literature, theater,
dance, fine art, and music reach us through a universal language that
unites us regardless of background, gender, race, or creed.
Millions of Americans earn a living in the arts and humanities, and the
non-profit and for-profit arts industries are important parts of both
our cultural heritage and our economy. The First Lady and I have been
proud to honor this work by displaying American art at the White House
and by hosting music, dance, poetry, and film performances and
screenings. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities,
along with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment
for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services
continues to recognize the skill and creativity of American artists,
historians, and philosophers while helping educate and inspire our
children through the power of the arts and humanities.
We must recognize the contributions of the arts and humanities not only
by supporting the artists of today, but also by giving opportunities to
the creative thinkers of tomorrow. Educators across our country are
opening young minds, fostering innovation, and developing imaginations
through arts education. Through their work, they are empowering our
Nation's students with the ability to meet the challenges of a global
marketplace. It is a well-rounded education for our children that will
fuel our efforts to lead in a new economy where critical and creative
thinking will be the keys to success.

[[Page 2087]]

Today, the arts and humanities continue to break social and political
barriers. Throughout our history, American hopes and aspirations have
been captured in the arts, from the songs of enslaved Americans yearning
for freedom to the films that grace our screens today. This month, we
celebrate the enlightenment and insight we have gained from the arts and
humanities, and we recommit to supporting expression that challenges our
assumptions, sparks our curiosity, and continues to drive us toward a
more perfect union.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2011 as
National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the people of the United
States to join together in observing this month with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and the
humanities in America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA